Minnesota Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder in the huddle during the first quarter of the Minnesota Vikings game against the Green Bay Packers on October 23, 2011 at the Metrodome in Minneapolis. (Pioneer Press: Sherri LaRose-Chiglo)

Recently signed downfield weapons Jerome Simpson and John Carlson and a pair of fourth-round receivers from Arkansas (Jarius Wright and Greg Childs) could help inject life into a sagging vertical passing game.

Ponder now has help and the chance to maximize his potential, and he’s taking full advantage. In his first real offseason with the Vikings, the second-year quarterback plans to assume a leadership position and not look back.

“Now being in a position where I can comfortably say, ‘This is my team,’ it definitely helps,” Ponder said during an offseason workout Wednesday, May 2, at Winter Park. “I’m so much more comfortable being where I am. It’s more fun.”

The lockout-shortened offseason in 2011 prompted the Vikings to sign Donovan McNabb, leaving Ponder to compete for the No. 2 quarterback job in training camp with Joe Webb. He spent the first six weeks of the season taking minimal reps behind McNabb before being thrust into the starting role in Week 7.

In 10 starts and 11 games, Ponder showed promise but still has work to do before he becomes the definitive long-term answer.

Looking back, Ponder calls the entire 2011 campaign a “wacky year.” Fast forward to May, and Ponder is tweeting about playing golf with teammates and eating barbecue with new tight end John Carlson.

It’s only May, and the heat placed on Ponder is mild compared to what he might feel five months from now. But Ponder is liking the setup in Minnesota, from his stability as the starting quarterback to the new weapons around him.

“I think that shows that they have confidence in me and (they are) trying to establish guys around me on the offensive side,” said Ponder of the Vikings’ offseason moves. “Obviously on the offensive side of the ball we have a lot of improvements to make. We have so many good guys on this team already that can go out and prove themselves, but to add additional guys that bring a lot to the table is really going to help us. It definitely means a lot.”

During the first round of Thursday’s draft, Ponder and running back Adrian Peterson watched from the Vikings’ draft party at the Metrodome. Both “cracked a pretty big smile” when the Vikings secured Kalil, projected as the best left tackle prospect since Joe Thomas.

Imposing his will on the quarterback job as a rookie was difficult, Ponder said, because he wasn’t yet established. Though the Vikings still have a strong veteran presence in the locker room, Ponder now tries to make his presence felt, even with subtle gestures such as organizing extra throwing sessions.

“We throw every day,” Ponder said. “Even on off days, I make myself available if guys want to come in and get extra work. Today we’re doing film, then we work out in the weight room and do our running, and we all throw afterwards. Everyone’s out there. Once the new guys get here, they’ll be a part of it, too.”

Throwing to Simpson is one of Ponder’s favorite parts of the day. Apparently Simpson, who had 50 catches for 725 yards last season for Cincinnati but will serve a three-game suspension after pleading guilty to a felony drug charge, gets underneath everything Ponder throws.

“I was throwing post routes and trying to overthrow him and I couldn’t,” Ponder said. “The guy is so fast. He’s so athletic. I think he’s going to be a great asset to our X position. And he’s a great guy. I’ve been hanging out with him. He’s real down to earth and so athletic.”

Third-year running back Toby Gerhart is noticing a bolder, more confident Ponder.

The Vikings’ future success hinges largely on whether that confidence persists through the rest of the year.

“He’s really turning into a leader,” Gerhart said. “From experience, I know it’s hard as a rookie. You don’t know your place. You don’t want to speak up or lead when you’ve had veterans there for a while. You haven’t proven anything. This year, he’s definitely taken ownership. He’s being vocal. He’s pushing everybody.”

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